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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> DATE: October 2, 2018 Re: Comm. No. 1080/Res. No. 695-18 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 9:30 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 695-18, reports as follows: <br /> Resolution No. 695-18, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, via Communication No. 1080 <br /> dated September 14, 2018, authorizes the Office of the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the <br /> University of Hawai`i. <br /> This resolution provides $7,000 from the Department of Research and Development to the University of <br /> Hawaii to fund its "Applied Research for Grafting Macadamia, Cacao, and Avocado"project proposal. <br /> Funds would be used to conduct training on four grafting techniques with macadamia nut, avocado, and <br /> cacao producers. <br /> Council Member Herbert "Tim" Richards, III commented this resolution looks to be enhancing <br /> agriculture and education in the community. Mr. Richards asked for clarification on the broader context <br /> of what the intentions are and what the expected measurable might be. Glenn Sako, Economic <br /> Development Specialist for Research and Development explained that the University of Hawaii has <br /> submitted proposals to conduct research in different facets of the agriculture industry. Mr. Sako stated <br /> they are looking to reduce the introduction of the invasive species and make use of natural resources and <br /> hopefully couple that with the branding of Hawaii and native Hawaiian plants to help the industries. <br /> Mr. Sako explained that with grafting in the macadamia, cacao, and avocado industries, there is a <br /> shortage of plants for the replacement of trees that had to be removed due to disease or weather. It is to <br /> help the growers try four different techniques and see which ones would work best for them, therefore <br /> allowing the macadamia growers to supply their own nursery or farms with replacement plants. In the <br /> case of cacao and avocado, it would be for the expansion of their fields. <br /> Mr. Richards asked whether this is for college students or if there is an extension outreach. Mr. Sako <br /> responded that there is an extension component and whenever the university does research, it finds a <br /> product that will fit the industry or the public. The extension service will take over to make information <br /> available and educate the public as to how it can be used and what is needed to make the product <br /> successful. <br /> FC Report No. 146 <br />